Crime films have a knack for combining two acting heavyweights on opposite sides of the spectrum. It’s been almost a tradition since the first crime films came out to have two strong lead characters. And now 36th Precinct, also known as 36 Quai des Orfèvres, follows in that tradition by bringing forth two of France’s best actors in a powerful crime drama.
Combining two of France’s acting heavyweights in Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil, the two are police officers competing to be the next Police Chief of Paris. Whoever can bring down the biggest gang in the city gets the office. Leo (Auteuil) is the one wanted for the promotion but Klein (Depardieu) wants the power that comes with it. The two engage in a competition of sorts to try and win the office. As the two investigate the armed gang individually, they wind up on opposite sides as both of their agendas drive them in separate ways. No one gets out well with the happy ending, like any good crime film, either.
But this isn’t a film that works because of the plot. It works because Depardieu and Auteuil carry this film with dramatic weight on either end. They are both inherently decent men who wind up doing bad things for a good reason. We can see why both do the things they do as the path each follow, and the wrong moves they make, because the two main leads carry the film admirably. And they have to because otherwise it’s a fairly pedestrian film.
The problem with 36th Precinct is that there’s nothing about the film that hasn’t happened in other, better films. There’s nothing new, story or character wise, and there’s nothing done to give it a sense of urgency or at least uniqueness. We’ve seen this before and there’s nothing new, and nothing interesting, done with the material. The ending feels perfunctory and is conclusive but not satisfying.
Presented in a widescreen format with a Dolby Digital surround, the film looks and sounds terrific. This is a great transfer and the beauty of Paris, France, comes through well. There aren’t many great extras to the DVD, though.
In terms of extras, the Making of 36th Precinct is a generic making of piece, there’s a Director Interview that doesn’t shed all that much light onto the film. There’s a Weapon Selection piece that gives some insight into the film’s weapons, and a Wardrobe Run-Through which is a glorified rehearsal. Also, both a Theatrical and Teaser Trailer are included.
36th Precinct is a slightly above average film that is really only recommended for fans of the genre.
Tartan presents 36th Precinct, also known as 36 Quai des Orfèvres. Directed by Oliver Marchal. Starring Gerard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil. Written by Oliver Marchal, Frank Mancuso and Julien Rappeneau. Running time: DURATION. Rating: RATING. Released on DVD: June 14, 2011. Available at Amazon.com.
